A BUMPER £30,000 donation from Hillingdon Council's textile recycling service has kick-started this year's Mayor's charity appeal for Michael Sobell Hospice.

Cllr Catherine Dann, this year’s mayor, has chosen to raise funds for the hospice, based at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, to buy a variety of items that would make a difference to patients.

The surprise announcement about the £30,000 donation was made at the launch event for the charity appeal last week at the Civic Centre.

The money was raised from the first five months' proceed of the borough’s new weekly household textile collection service, which started last October.

The mayor called on community groups, businesses, schools and individuals to play their part in raising money for her appeal. She also presented Michael Sobell Hospice with a £629 cheque, from people's generous donations, to buy a lawnmower and sundial requested by the hospice's team of volunteer gardeners.

Please send any donations to the Mayor’s Parlour, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1UW. Cheques to be made payable to the Mayor's Charity Appeal 2014/15.